Kolhapur auto tipper drivers call indefinite strike

Kolhapur: Garbage collection across Kolhapur city was severely disrupted on Tuesday after around 200 auto tipper drivers and sanitation workers went on an indefinite strike over delayed salaries and lack of basic benefits, bringing all collection vehicles to a halt.

The drivers accused the contractor of failing to pay wages on time, denying provident fund (PF) and employees’ state insurance (ESI) facilities, and violating minimum wage norms. Several said salaries have been delayed by two to two-and-a-half months.

“We are supposed to get around Rs 26,000 as per the Minimum Wage Act, but we are being paid only Rs 14,800,” protesting drivers said, adding that the absence of PF and ESI has worsened their financial distress.

Demanding immediate intervention, the workers urged the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) to clear pending wages and enforce compliance with labour norms.

Amid the strike, Aam Aadmi Party functionaries Abhijeet Kamble and Uttam Patil led a delegation of drivers to meet KMC commissioner Rajendra Bharud, alleging that the contractor had ignored civic directives on wage payments.

The drivers told the commissioner that despite clear instructions from KMC to adhere to minimum wage standards, the company had not complied.

Responding to the agitation, Bharud said, “Stopping work suddenly without giving prior notice is not the right way to protest. An inquiry has been ordered into the working practices of the company concerned and to take appropriate action as deemed necessary. If the company continues to withhold wages in accordance with minimum wage standards, a written complaint should be submitted, after which appropriate action will be initiated. All tipper drivers should resume their duties from Wednesday morning.”